It is easy to become negative sometimes and to see the shortfall, the deficit or the not-quite-good-enough in our lives. We can fall into the trap of a cycle of negativity where we feel dissatisfied with our lives; our financial situation, our personal or professional successes, and at times, our families and even ourselves.

Last week, our staff was encouraged to write a simple message of gratitude. I know when I have faced difficulties, I have attempted to end each day with an Ignatian Examen prayer and reflection time, reliving the moments of my day when God was really present to me. As a prayer practice, I then try to delve further into what God is saying to me through my interactions with others, with nature, or simply in quietude. And, in finishing my prayer time, I name (out loud) five things for which I am grateful. This usually puts me back on an even-keel and reminds me of God’s grace in my life. There is much for which we can be grateful - and as this prayer of thanksgiving above offers - for the gifts we receive each day, even in a world where war, famine, political upheaval, and uncertainty seem ever-present.

As principal here at St John Paul II College, I witness the generosity and goodwill of our staff and students on a daily basis. It is so heartening to have students say good morning and inquire about someone else’s day. It is always life-giving to hear their laughter and good humour. And it delights me to see our students engaged in their learning in the various subjects they take each day.

Schools operate on a great deal of goodwill. Sometimes we will make mistakes and get them wrong. Sometimes our students make mistakes and get it wrong: for this is part of being human, and also part of growing up. Our job is to educate our students on how to get it “more” right next time. We do this with parents. By and large though, given our size, we enjoy extremely positive engagement with our students, and they give us every reason to be hope-filled about the future. I trust that you see this in your own child, and that this inherent goodness, is also part of the fabric of your family life.

We can never have too much hope in our world. We can only ever hold this hope (as a will, an action, and a value) for the present and the future. We look forward with “grateful hope” and our children, your children, are the essence of that.

As the term draws to a close, I take this opportunity on behalf of the students and parents to thank our staff for the work they do each day in service of our students. I look forward to slowing down a little in the coming break, and I pray that our students and families stay safe over the holiday period, especially those who are travelling.

As the semester ends, we farewell Mr Matt Bourke, Mr John Cole, Ms Sharon Robinson, Mr Gary Seckerson, and Ms Danni Jewell (currently on leave) as they variously move on to new adventures. At the beginning of next semester, we will welcome back Mr Daniel Burns to the College and new staff commencing with us Ms Clare Kinnane (Mission and Ministry Coordinator) and Mr Jonathan Goodwin (music teacher). We also have a number of new students commencing with us. I hope and trust our students will make them feel at home very quickly in their new school.

I look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday 23 July for the first day of Term 3.

Dr Craig Wattam
Principal